Ogun restates commitment to functional forest reserves
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Towards sustaining the forest reserves environment to meet the desired functions of its establishment, the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry says it will strengthen its collaboration with relevant organisations, ensure recurrent tree planting, curtail sharp practices, and tighten security around them.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji made this known during an inspection visit to a-30 hectare of land at Olokemeji in Odeda Local Government Area of the State, where trees of various species were planted by the Institute of International Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, for Nigeria Brewery PLC.
It would be recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had earlier been signed between the State government and IITA, mid-last year for the planting and sustenance of trees last year at Olokemeji in Odeda Local Government Area of the State.
Mr. Olatunji, who reiterated the State government’s commitment to ensuring that all the nine forest reserves in the three Senatorial Districts of the State are well-functional, assured that the State government would ensure that 1 million trees are planted before the end of the year.
“With this exercise, unemployment within and around the Forest area would be reduced, adding that farmers would also have the opportunity of planting their crops, aside from cocoa, alongside the planted trees.”
He also applauded the State government for providing the necessary support the ministry needed to commence the planting of the 1 million trees.
In his remark, an official in charge of IITA forest centre, Mr. Ademola Ajayi, noted that the planting exercise which commenced last, was for a period of three years and it is 70 percent completed.
Meanwhile, stakeholders at Olokemeji Forest Reserve have been called upon to cooperate with the State government in its efforts at planting and nurturing trees to maturity.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry made the appeal while addressing Baale, Timber Contractors, Farmers, and Indigenes of the area during a courtesy visit.
He told them to always plant trees alongside their farming exercise in order to sustain the forest.
“Planting of trees is pivotal to your stay in the forest. Therefore, you should ensure you plant trees where one is cut. In addition, you have to be security conscious and report sharp practices to the appropriate quarter,” he said.
